Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!" Nehemiah 9:5
Text: Exodus 40 : 12-15
ANOINTING OF THE HIGH PRIEST
The work of anointing was not limited to the Tabernacle articles. Moses was commanded to anoint the high priest, so that he could minister in the holy Tabernacle.
“Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door
of the Tabernacle of meeting and wash them with water.
You shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and anoint him
and consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.”
EXODUS 40:12-13
1. The human element
The articles in the Tabernacle were important enough. However, by themselves, their significance would remain unknown. The human element was needed.
2. The holiness element
Aaron was to be anointed as the first high priest of Israel. The significance of his position in Israel’s religion was to be expressed in the holy garments that he would wear. But even the grandness of clothes would pale in comparison to the issue of holiness as a minister of God.
ANOINTING OF THE AARONIC PRIESTS
The whole tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord to serve Him in the Tabernacle. However, the sons of Aaron were given a special position. They were distinguished from the Levites, who were essentially their assistants.
“And you shall bring his sons and clothe them with tunics.
You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father,
that they may minister to Me as priests; for their anointing
shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout
their generations.”
EXODUS 40:14-15
1. “You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father”
The anointing of the priests would have the same significance as that of the high priest. Their roles may only be supportive but their anointing would not have a lesser significance!
2. “Their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood”
God had in mind “an everlasting priesthood”. What great honor He was bestowing on Aaron and his sons!
THE HUMBLE OBEDIENCE OF MOSES
What would you consider as the most outstanding feature in Moses’ character? Would “humble obedience” come to mind? (Exodus 40:16)